Strong families are essential to the well-being of our Nation. On Family
Day, we celebrate the relationship between parents and their children, and
we recognize the importance of families spending time together.

As a source of hope, guidance, stability, and love for every generation,
families both teach and exemplify the values and virtues needed in today's
changing world. As parents and as role models to America's children, we
can help prepare our children for a bright future by offering steadfast
support and unconditional love.

The character of a child is formed in his or her earliest years by the love
and guidance of family members and other caring individuals. Since 2001,
my Administration has worked to strengthen the American family, and we have
worked with faith-based and community organizations to promote healthy
marriages and responsible fatherhood. By striving to ensure that children
remain connected to their families, communities, places of worship, and
schools, we are helping them make good choices and build lives of purpose.

Parents are the primary teachers of our Nation's youth, and they are the
first ones to educate them about the differences between right and wrong.
By being proactive and involved in a child's life, families pass along the
traditions and principles that help make America a compassionate, decent,
and hopeful society.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 22, 2008, as Family
Day. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day by
engaging in activities that strengthen the bonds between children and
parents.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this nineteenth day of
September, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
thirty-third.